Why do adult children go no contact with their parents? And how does family estrangement happen even when parents believe they were trying to do the right thing?

In this episode of Mom on Mute, Mindy speaks with therapist Carissa about the complicated reality of family estrangement, estranged parents, and adult children who create distance from their families. Together they explore how dynamics like financial support, blurred boundaries, guilt, and over involvement can sometimes shape parent-child relationships in ways families don’t fully recognize until conflict grows.

Carissa explains why many estranged adult children still love their parents, but feel they need space to establish boundaries and identity. The conversation looks at how gratitude and hurt can exist at the same time, why adult children sometimes pull back after years of crossed boundaries, and why curiosity and accountability from parents can change the direction of a relationship.

They also discuss the emotional ripple effects of estrangement when grandchildren, siblings, and extended family are involved, and why going no contact is often less about rejection and more about needing space.

If you are navigating family estrangement, estranged parents, toxic family dynamics, or difficult parent-child relationships, this episode offers perspective from both the parenting side and the adult child experience.

Because sometimes the hardest question in estranged families is not who is right, it’s what happened between us.